R-XVI seeks bids to replace RHS gym’s heat, air

Richmond School Board voted unanimously Sept. 11 to seek bids to replace heating and air conditioning units located on the high school gym’s mezzanine.

The district will advertise for two options, replacing the equipment and keeping it where it is now or installing the new units on the gym roof.

Jeff Southwick, the district’s director of support services, had initially planned to solicit bids for two 20-ton rooftop units, but broadened his request to the two options on the recommendation of an HVAC specialist. Southwick had hoped to free up the mezzanine room for other uses.

“We’re looking at a few different options to save the district some more money,” he said.

Cole Oliphant, owner of Oliphant Heating and Air, told the board that placing the new units inside the building would be much more efficient.

“If you can live without the extra space, there would be quite a savings in putting them in those rooms,” he said.